Beer: the pre-historic initiative behind civilization

From the Independent (U.K.):

Drunkenness, hangovers, and debauchery tend to come to mind when one thinks about alcohol and its effects. But could alcohol also have been a catalyst for human civilization?

According to archaeologist Patrick McGovern this may have been the case when early man decided to start farming. Why humans turned from hunting and gathering to agriculture could be the result of our ancestors’ simple urge for alcoholic beverages.

“Alcohol provided the initial motivation,” said McGovern, a biomolecular archaeologist at the University of Pennsylvania Museum. “Then it got going the engine of society.”

Read the rest here.

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London Postcard: Loving the beers here

Here are some worthwhile brews I've sampled while here in London. I'm heading back tomorrow, but if you travel to the U.K., or if you can find any of these in the States, they are very worthwhile:

Erdinger: A German wheat beer that has become a new favorite.

Budweiser Budvar: From the Czech Republic, this is NOT the Anheuser-Busch Bud. In fact, it pre-dates the Anheuser-Busch dominance of the beer market.

Britannia Ale: Fantastic balance, with hopping that leans toward a proper India Pale Ale.

Sambrook's Wandle: Enjoyable, highly drinkable.

Timothy Taylor's Landlord: Good balance, highly drinkable, very light, watery mouth-feel considering the level of character it delivers.